Illuminated aiming devices and related methods

ABSTRACT

An aiming device including a thermoelectric module, a light source and a sight element. The thermoelectric module generates electricity from a thermal gradient, produced from a user&#39;s body heat that is transferred to the module. The electricity powers the light source. The light source illuminates a sight element of a projectile shooting device to enhance visibility of the sight element in a variety of ambient lighting conditions, optionally in low light conditions. The aiming device can be mounted to a projectile shooting device. With the aiming device, a user can selectively illuminate a sight element of a projectile shooting device, with the user&#39;s own body heat, to assist aiming the projectile shooting device during a shooting activity. The projectile shooting device can be any type of archery bow and/or firearm. Related methods are also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to aiming devices, and more particularlyto aiming devices including a thermoelectric module and an illuminatedsight element.

The popularity and use of archery equipment and firearms, for hunting,target shooting, and other dynamic shooting sports, has increased overthe past several decades. The competitive nature of shooting and thedesire by hunters to have well placed, ethical shots, has led to thedevelopment and commercialization of a variety of aiming devices. Thesedevices can include fiber optic, light gathering sight pins, illuminatedreticles for rifle scopes or red dot illuminated sights.

Often, the sight pins, reticles and red dots of these aiming devices areilluminated by a light source that is powered directly by a battery. Theissue with these types of battery powered light sources is that thebattery eventually dies. This can be particularly problematic when aonce in lifetime shot presents itself, or during an active shootingcompetition. In military applications, soldiers also need aiming deviceson their weapons to always perform, and perform well. If they do not—dueto battery or other failure—it could result in catastrophe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aiming device is provided including a thermoelectric module, a lightsource and a sight element. The thermoelectric module generateselectricity from a thermal gradient. The electricity powers the lightsource directly and/or indirectly. The light source illuminates a sightelement of a projectile shooting device to enhance visibility of thesight element in a variety of ambient lighting conditions, optionally inlow light conditions. With the aiming device, a user can selectivelyilluminate a sight element of a projectile shooting device, optionallywith the user's own body heat, to assist aiming the projectile shootingdevice during a shooting activity.

In one embodiment, the thermoelectric module can be in the form of atleast one of a thermoelectric generator (TEG), a Seebeck device, athermoelectric cooler (TEC) and a Peltier module. The thermoelectricmodule can generate electricity based on a thermal gradient existingabout the module. For example, a thermal gradient can exist between awarm hand or other appendage of a user, and a cold metal component of aprojectile shooting device. Thermoelectric generation of electricity canoccur with either variation of thermal gradient, that is, electricitygeneration can occur when one side or surface of the module is eitherhotter or colder than its surrounding environment, or other componentsnear it.

In another embodiment, the aiming device can be configured so that thethermoelectric module and any associated circuitry is mounted to a handgrip, stock, handle, fore end or other component of a projectileshooting device. The module can be in electrical communication with thelight source. The light source can be placed close enough to a fiberoptic element, a red dot generator, a reticle, and/or a hologramgenerator of the aiming device so that upon illumination of a respectivesight element, that sight element assists in aiming the device, forexample, in less than desirable ambient light conditions. Thethermoelectric module in this configuration can generate electricity forthe illumination by heat that is generated by an appendage or other bodypart of the user physically contacting the module or some other elementin thermal communication with the module.

In still another embodiment, the aiming device can include a powersource. The power source can be electrically coupled to thethermoelectric module and/or the light source. The electricity from thethermoelectric module powers and/or charges the power source.Optionally, the power source can be a capacitor and/or a battery, suchas a rechargeable battery. The power source can provide electricity tothe light source so the light source emits illumination. In this manner,the thermoelectric module indirectly powers the light source withelectricity it generates that is stored in the power source.

In even another embodiment, the thermoelectric module directly powersthe light source with electricity that the thermoelectric modulegenerates. The module can be electrically coupled to the light source,and when the module generates electricity, that electricity can betransferred to the light source.

In yet another embodiment, the projectile shooting device can be anarchery bow, such as a compound bow, a recurve, a crossbow, or otherdevice from which arrows or bolts can be shot. Alternatively oradditionally, the projectile shooting device can be a firearm, such as ahandgun, a rifle, a shotgun or a machine gun. Optionally, the firearmcan be in the form of a cannon. The firearm can be single shot,automatic or a semiautomatic. The firearm also can be mounted on avehicle, watercraft or other mode of transportation.

In still yet another embodiment, the aiming device can include one ormore fiber optic elements. The fiber optic elements can be illuminatedby the light source, and portions of the fiber optic elements can bedisposed within a field of view of a user to serve as a sight element.As an example, an end of a fiber optic element can be included on asight pin and can generally face the user during use of the aimingdevice.

In a further embodiment, the aiming device can include one or morereticles. The reticle can be illuminated by the light source, anddisposed within a field of view of a user to serve as the sight element.

In still a further embodiment, the aiming device can include one or morered dots. The red dot can be formed via a red dot generator, illuminatedby the light source, and disposed within a field of view of a user toserve as the sight element.

In still another embodiment, the aiming device can be a holographicsight system that generates a hologram within a field of view of a userto serve as the sight element. The hologram can be in the form of areticle or other object, which can be built into and/or recorded in anoptional viewing window, and can serve as the sight element.

In yet a further embodiment, the aiming device can include one or morefront and/or rear sights. The sights, or portions thereof, can beilluminated by the light source, and disposed within a field of view ofa user to serve as the sight element.

In even a further embodiment, the thermoelectric module, optional powersource, and light source can be included in head lamps, flash lights andother personal lighting devices, such as those utilized in the pursuitof hunting, fishing, hiking, spelunking or other activities.

In another, further embodiment, the aiming device can include a sightelement that is illuminated by ambient light, or that is illuminated bya light source powered by secondary power source, such as a primarybattery. The aiming device can include the thermoelectric module aswell. The thermoelectric module in this aiming device can serve to powerthe light source to illuminate the sight element when ambient light isinsufficient to illuminate the sight element, or can serve as a back-upsource of electricity to power the light source in case of primarybattery failure. Optionally, the thermoelectric module can serve as aredundant electricity generator to illuminate the sight element whenother illumination fails or is insufficiently powered.

In still another, further embodiment, a method is provided including:mounting a thermoelectric module on a projectile shooting device tocreate a thermal gradient as a result of the transfer of thermal energyfrom the user's body; generating electricity with the thermoelectricmodule due to the thermal gradient; powering a light source with theelectricity; illuminating the sight element with the light source, sothat the user can view the illuminated sight element within a field ofview while the projectile shooting device is in a shooting position.

In yet another, further embodiment a method is provided including:transferring thermal energy from a user's body to a thermoelectricmodule; generating electricity with the thermoelectric module due to thethermal gradient; powering a light source with the electricity;illuminating the sight element with the light source so that the sightelement is readily viewable in the user's field of view; aligning thesight element with a target; and optionally shooting a projectile at thetarget.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbe more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the descriptionof the current embodiment and the drawings.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the details ofoperation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodimentsand of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways notexpressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may beused in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwiseexpressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed aslimiting the invention to any specific order or number of components.Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from thescope of the invention any additional steps or components that might becombined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aiming device of a current embodimentjoined with a projectile shooting device, namely an archery bow;

FIG. 2 is a section view of a thermoelectric module mounted to a supportstructure of the projectile shooting device taken along lines 2, 2A,2B-2, 2A, 2B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a section view of an alternative construction of athermoelectric module mounted to the support structure taken along lines2, 2A, 2B-2, 2A, 2B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a section view of another alternative construction of athermoelectric module mounted to the support structure taken along lines2, 2A, 2B-2, 2A, 2B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating the various components of the aimingdevice of the current embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a partial section view of a light source and sight elements ofthe aiming device;

FIG. 5 is a close up partial section view of a sight element of theaiming device of the current embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view of a user's appendage, particularly a hand, showingareas of elevated heat generation;

FIG. 7 is a view of another user's appendage, namely a head, showingareas of elevated heat generation;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a circuit for use with the aiming device;

FIG. 8A is a view of a switch included in the circuit for use with theaiming device;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an alternative circuit for use with the aimingdevice;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of another alternative circuit for use with theaiming device;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely acrossbow, including a first alternative embodiment of the aiming device;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely afirearm, including a second alternative embodiment of the aiming device;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely afirearm, including a third alternative embodiment of the aiming devicein the form of a rifle scope;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustrating of the third alternative aimingdevice of FIG. 13 from a perspective of a user when the firearm is in ashooting position;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely afirearm, including a fourth alternative embodiment of the aiming devicein the form of a red dot scope;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustrating the fourth alternative embodiment ofthe aiming device of FIG. 15 from the perspective of a user when thefirearm is in a shooting position;

FIG. 17 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely afirearm, including a fifth alterative of the aiming device;

FIG. 17A is a close-up view of fiber optic elements taken from 17A ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely afirearm, including a sixth alterative of the aiming device; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustrating the sixth alternative embodiment ofthe aiming device of FIG. 18 from the perspective of a user when thefirearm is in a shooting position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

An aiming device for use with a projectile shooting device of a currentembodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-5 and generally designated 10. Theprojectile shooting device 1 as illustrated in those figures isgenerally in the form of an archery bow, for example, a compound archerybow. It will be appreciated, however, that the aiming device of thecurrent embodiments can be used with any type of archery bow, includingbut not limited to a compound bow, a recurve bow, a crossbow, or otherdevice from which arrows or bolts can be shot. Optionally, theprojectile shooting device can be in the form of a firearm, includingbut not limited to a handgun (for example, a pistol and/or a revolver);a rifle (for example, a long rifle, a carbine, an assault rifle, a boltpump rifle or a battle rifle); a shotgun (of any gauge) and/or a machinegun (for example, a machine pistol, a light machine gun, a mini gun, amedium machine gun or a heavy machine gun). The firearm can include anytype of action, for example, bolt action, lever action, pump actionand/or break action. The firearm can be single shot, automatic and/orsemiautomatic. Further optionally, the firearm can be in the form of avehicle-mounted weapon, mounted directly to the vehicle, a watercraft orother mode of transportation of course. As used herein, firearm can alsoinclude cannons, howitzers, handheld rocket launchers and similarweaponry, as well as equipment such as paint ball markers and air riflessuch as bb guns, air soft guns and/or pellet guns.

As used herein, the term grip area can refer to an area on theprojectile shooting device at which thermal energy from a user's bodyfor example, a user's appendage, such as a hand, arm or cheek, can betransferred directly to a portion of the projectile shooting device, andultimately to the thermoelectric module 20. A grip area can include ahand grip, a stock, a pistol grip, a cheek piece, a receiver or againany location on a firearm or archery bow that might be engaged by auser's appendage or body. A grip area also can include dedicated tabs orprojections or areas on an aiming device or a projectile shooting devicethat do not provide or assist in holding the device in a shootingposition. As an example, a bow sight of a bow, or a rifle sight or scopecan include a simple projection extending outwardly from a main body. Athermoelectric module can be mounted therein or immediately adjacentthat projection. A user can grasp or otherwise warm and transfer thermalenergy to that projection, thereby causing the thermoelectric module togenerate electricity. A battery or capacitor can store the generatedelectricity for a predetermined amount of time. Thus, a user need notnecessarily transfer thermal energy directly to the thermoelectricmodule to power the light source during a shooting activity. Forexample, the user can pre-charge or store power in the power sourcebefore the shooting activity. That electricity can be later used when atarget is presented.

Returning to the aiming device 10 mounted on an archery bow 1 shown inFIG. 1, the aiming device is generally mounted to a support structure 2.The support structure 2 as illustrated is a riser of the archery bow. Inother embodiments, the support structure can be in the form of a stockof a crossbow, or a receiver, a barrel, a mount or other components of afirearm or other projectile shooting device. The aiming device and, inparticular, the associated thermoelectric module, can be associatedwith, joined with or placed adjacent some type of thermally conductingmember. As illustrated, this thermally conducting member can be in theform of a grip area, and in particular, a hand grip 31 of the archerybow 1. The hand grip typically is engaged by the user when holding orotherwise manipulating the archery bow.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the thermoelectric module 20 can be mountedadjacent and/or within a grip area 31. Generally, the grip area 31 andoptionally the thermoelectric module 20 can be mounted substantiallybelow the aiming device 10 and more particularly the sight element 40utilized by the user U when aiming at a target T. The distance by whichthe hand grip and/or thermoelectric module can be mounted below theaiming device 10, and optionally the sight element 40, can be at leastabout 1 inch, at least about 2 inches, at least about 3 inches, at leastabout 4 inches, at least about 5 inches, at least about 6 inches. Ofcourse, other distances can be selected depending on the application.Moreover, with different constructions of an archery bow and/or firearm,the thermoelectric module 20 can be mounted above, beside or in otherlocations relative to the aiming device 10 and sight element 40.

The thermally conducting member shown as a grip area, in particular, ahand grip 31 in FIG. 2 can be configured to transfer thermal energy froma user's appendage to the thermoelectric module 20. In this manner, thethermoelectric module can be considered in thermal communication withthe thermally conducting member. In the case of a crossbow or firearm,the thermally conducting member can be in the form of a stock, a foreend and/or a pistol grip that is engaged by the user when pointing orshooting the firearm.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the thermally conducting member shownas the grip area 31 can be a thin sheet of metal, composite, polymer orother material which enables thermal energy TE from the user'sappendage, for example, the user's hand UH, to penetrate therethroughand to transfer to the thermoelectric module 20. In some cases, thethermally conducting member 31 can be integrated directly into thethermoelectric module 20 in the form of a coating, cover or housingjoined with the module 20.

Optionally, the thermally conducting member 31′ can be in a constructionshown in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 2A. There, thethermoelectric module 20 is disposed adjacent an outer surface 2OS ofthe riser 2. The thermally conducting member 31′ can be in the form of agrip area, in particular, a hand grip that is disposed at leastpartially around the riser 2. The grip can be of a particular thicknesssufficient to define a recess 31R′. The thermoelectric module 20 can bedisposed within the recess 31R′. When the grip area or thermallyconducting member 31′ is joined with the riser 2, the thermoelectricmodule 20, housed within the recess 31R′ is placed immediately adjacent,and in some cases contacts, the riser 2 at the outer surface 2OS of theriser 2. The thermoelectric module 20 is held in place within the griparea 31′. Opposite the outer surface 2OS of the riser 2, thethermoelectric module 20 is covered by a thin cover 31C′. This thincover 31C′ and adjacent portions of the thermally conducting membersurrounding the recess 31R′ can facilitate or enable thermalcommunication between the user's hand UH so that thermal energy TE canbe transferred from the user's hand or appendage to the thermoelectricmodule 20.

In either embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the thermoelectric module20 can be disposed within the respective recesses 2R, 31R′ using cement,adhesive, fasteners or other elements as desired. Of course, in someconstructions, these elements can be eliminated all together with thethermoelectric module 20 being secured within the respective recess viaa friction fit and/or simply by virtue of the larger thermallyconducting member 31, 31′ overlaying the thermoelectric module 20 andcapturing it within a respective recess. Optionally, although shown as arecess defined in the riser of an archery bow 1, as will be appreciated,the recess 2R can be defined in any suitable stock or other component ofa projectile shooting device, such as a recurve, cross bow or firearmcomponent such as a stock, pistol grip, fore end, and other likecomponents that can be readily grasped and gripped by a user to transferthermal energy from the user's appendage to the thermoelectric module20.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 2A, it will be appreciated that in bothembodiments, the user's body heat, for example that thermal energy TEgenerated by the user's hand UH, is primarily conveyed to a firstsurface 20S1 of the thermoelectric module 20. The user's appendage, forexample, the user's hand UH transfers thermal energy TE to that firstsurface 20S1. The thermal energy is usually in the form of heat. As withmost thermoelectric modules, for them to operate, they are placedadjacent a heat sink or a cooler surface to create a thermal gradient.That cooler surface 20S2 can be on or adjacent the opposite side of thethermoelectric module 20. This surface 20S2 can be cooled or otherwiseused to create a thermal gradient by engaging the riser 2 or some othersupport structure of the projectile shooting device. Typically, thesupport structure can be constructed from a metal or a composite.Generally, the material from which it is constructed is of a coldertemperature than the user's appendage in most ambient conditions. As anexample, a user's appendage can be around 98° Fahrenheit. In huntingconditions, where the ambient temperature is about 0° Fahrenheit to 70°Fahrenheit, the support structure, for example, the riser 2 can becooler than the user's appendage. Of course, in some cases, such asshooting competitions, or when firearms are heated up, the thermalgradient can be reversed. For example, the user's appendage at 98°Fahrenheit or so, can be less than the temperature of support structure,for example, the riser. As a more particular example, where a riser iscolored black, and is used in a tournament in 90°, clear weather in fullsun, the support structure or riser can heat up to 130°-150°. In thiscase, the thermal energy from the user, provided through the surface20S1 to the module 20 can be less than the thermal energy or heatprovided through the opposing surface 20S2 from the heat riser.Optionally, the thermoelectric module can be constructed so that evenwith this reversed thermal gradient, it can generate electricity. Inmost cases, however, the support structure can be cooler than the user'sbody, which results in the thermal gradient in which heat from theuser's body is channeled toward the support structure, which in turnacts as a heat sink relative to the thermoelectric module 20 to generateelectricity voltage and/or current flow. Again, the opposite of thisoperation is also contemplated herein.

As mentioned above, a user's body generates the thermal energy that istransferred to the thermoelectric module so that the thermoelectricmodule can generate electricity to power the aiming device. As shown inFIG. 6, an appendage of the user U, specifically a user's hand UH, isillustrated. There, multiple heat generating regions HR are identified.These regions are generally the warmest or hottest parts of the hand.Accordingly, a particular grip or fore end of a projectile shootingdevice can be configured so that the thermoelectric module 20 is placedin close proximity to these heat regions HR. Examples of this placementare further illustrated in the description of the embodiments below,where the projectile shooting device is in the form of various firearms.It has also been discovered that the thermal energy generated from auser's face UF, as shown in FIG. 7, can be sufficient to create athermal gradient to operate the thermoelectric module. As shown there,the user's face UF includes heat regions HR which are generally alignedwith the cheeks of the user's face. Thus, a projectile shooting device,when in the form of a crossbow or firearm, can include a stock or othercheek piece in which the thermoelectric module is disposed. This canplace a thermoelectric module in close proximity to the facial heatregions HR when a user is shooting and/or aiming the firearm, therebyefficiently transferring thermal energy to a thermoelectric module toultimately illuminate an associated sight element of the aiming device.

Optionally, the support structure disposed adjacent the opposing surface20S2 of the thermoelectric module can be constructed from plastic or acomposite that is not a suitable heat conductor or heat sink. In such acase, a piece of metal acting as a heat sink can be located adjacent thesecond surface 20S2 of the thermoelectric module to act as a heat sink.This can be particularly used where the projectile shooting devicesupport structure is constructed from wood or composite—such as a woodor synthetic stock of a firearm or a cross bow. Optionally, other heatsinks used instead of or in addition to metal can be graphite, carbonnanotubes, composites and/or special polymers.

An optional example of such a construction is illustrated in FIG. 2B.There, the thermoelectric module 20′ can be embedded in or otherwisedisposed in a recess 2R′ of a support structure 2′. This supportstructure 2′ can be the riser of a bow, or a stock of a cross bow, or agrip area such as a hand grip, stock, cheek piece or other component ofa firearm or cross bow, or generally any other point of contact where auser may engage the support structure. In this construction, the supportstructure 2′ can be a non-thermally conductive material such as wood orcomposite. In such a construction, the thermoelectric module 20′ can beincluded in the recess 2R′ with a secondary heat sink 20H′. Thesecondary heat sink 20H′ can be disposed within the recess 2R′ adjacentthe second or inner surface 20S2′ of the thermoelectric module 20′. Ifdesired, the secondary heat sink 20H′ can be adhered within the recess2R′. Likewise, an adhesive 20A′ can be disposed between the secondaryheat sink and the thermoelectric module 20′ to provide desiredpositioning and securement of the same. This adhesive 20A′ can bethermally conductive so that it does not substantially impair thefunction of the thermoelectric module 20′.

Opposite the secondary heat sink 20H′, adjacent the outer surface 20S1′,a thermally conductive member 20C′ can be disposed. This thermallyconductive member 20C′ can generally have less mass than the heat sinkso that thermoelectric energy TE from a user's body can be efficientlytransferred through the thermally conductive member 20C′ to thethermoelectric module 20′. This thermally conducting member 20C′ alsocan be adhered with an adhesive 20A′ to the surface 20S1′ and generallyinterfit within the recess 2R′.

The outer surface 20S′ of the thermally conducting member 20C′ can becontoured to approximate a feature of the user's body, for example, apalm, finger, cheek or the like, that provides the thermal energy TEultimately to the thermoelectric module 20′. In other embodiments, theouter surface 20S′ of the thermally conducting member 20C′ can becontoured to approximate and generally match the outer surface 20′ ofthe support structure 2′. For example, where the support structure 2′ isa stock of a firearm, the outer surface 20′ can generally smoothly andseamlessly transition to the outer surface 20S′ of the thermallyconducting member 20C′ so that the thermally conducting member 20C′ isnot readily identifiable or provides a generally aesthetically pleasingappearance of the outer surface 20′. Optionally, the thermallyconducting member 20C′ can be deleted from the construction shown inFIG. 3. The outer surface 20S1′ of the thermoelectric module 20′ can begenerally coextensive and/or contiguous with the outer surface 20′ ofthe support structure 2′. Optionally, there can be a thin coating of athermally conductive polymer or other material disposed on the outersurface 20S1′ to protect it from the environment in certainapplications.

FIG. 2B also illustrates a support structure 2′ that defines a secondaryrecess 2R2′ extending generally away from the thermoelectric module 20′.This secondary recess can generally conceal, house and/or protect anelectric coupling element 22 extending away from the thermoelectricmodule 20′ toward the light source and optionally other circuitryassociated with the light source, as well as other optional electricalcomponents of the aiming device. The secondary recess 2R2′ can be in theform of a U- or V-shaped channel. The electrical coupling element 22 canbe in the form of a wire, conductive cord, strip, band, tape or otherelectricity conducting structure. The secondary recess 2R2′ can bedefined by the outer surface 20′ of the support structure 2′. It canextend over a length of the outer surface 20′ to a location sufficientto establish electrical communication with the light source 50 and/orother circuit components of the aiming device 10. Generally, thethermoelectric module is mounted distal from the light source in mostembodiments herein. For this reason, the thermoelectric module 20′ isconnected to the other elements of the aiming device with the electricalcoupling element 20W′. Optionally, the secondary recess 2R2′ can becovered with a cap or other type of closure or cover to conceal and/orprotect the electrical coupling element 22 disposed therein.

The thermoelectric module 20 can be in the form of a thermoelectricgenerator (TEG), a Seebeck device, a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and/ora Peltier module. Generally, the thermoelectric module generateselectricity or voltage based on a thermal gradient existing about themodule. For example, a thermal gradient can exist between a user'sappendage, which generates thermal energy, and a cold metal, composite,polymeric or other heat sink of a projectile shooting device. Generationof electricity via the thermoelectric module can occur with eithervariation of the thermal gradient. Specifically, electricity generationcan occur when one side or surface of the module is either hotter orcolder than its surrounding environment or an opposing side or surfaceof the module as described above. One type of suitable thermoelectricpower source is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,240 to Rubio entitledSurface Lighting Devices Having a Thermoelectric Power Source, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This type ofthermoelectric module, namely a TEG, includes a variety of differentthermoelectric materials which can include metallic conductors such as,for example, bismuth and antimony. Other thermoelectric materials caninclude but are not limited to semiconductors, N-doped semiconductors,and P-doped semiconductors. Some suitable non-metallic thermoelectricmaterials can include, for example, bismuth chalcogenides,skuderite-type materials and complex oxide materials.

Generally the thermoelectric module 20 as shown in FIG. 3 operates asfollows: a heat source, such as the user's hand UH, transmits thermalenergy to the outer surface 20S1 of the thermoelectric module 20. A heatsink 2, for example, a metallic riser of a bow, causes a flow of heat orthermal energy TE from the user's hand toward the heat sink. As heatflows from the heat source, that is, the user's hand UH, toward the heatsink, that is, the riser 2, the charge carriers (e.g. electrons and/orholes) move in the direction of heat flow. Movement of the chargecarriers results in an electric current I which moves through theelectrical coupling element 22 which is described in further detailbelow. Ultimately, the electrical current I, also referred to as voltageand/or electricity herein, powers a light source 50. The light source 50of the aiming device 10 can be a variety of different light sources.

As an example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emittingdiodes (OLEDs), and/or laser diodes can be utilized as the light sourcesherein. Of course, the light sources can be provided in a variety ofcolors spanning the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thelight sources as utilized in the aiming devices can be continuously litat a constant intensity when electricity is flowing thereto. Of course,depending on associated circuitry, the light source can be dimmed inresponse to varying light conditions rather than being turned offentirely. In some cases, the light sources can be configured to blink ina given pattern depending on the particular application.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the thermoelectric module 20 is inelectrical communication with the light source 50 and/or other circuitry60 of the aiming device 10 via an electrical coupling element 22. Thiselectrical coupling element extends from the thermoelectric moduletoward the light source. As described further below, the electricalcoupling element 22 can be on an outer surface of the support structureor mounted within a recess or channel defined by the outer surface of asupport structure. Alternatively, the support structure might be hollowso that the electrical coupling element 22 extends through an internalcavity of the support structure.

As mentioned above, the light source 50 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 can be inthe form of an LED or other low voltage draw lighting element. Ifdesired, the electrical requirements of the light source 50 can beselectively matched to the operation of the thermoelectric module 20. Insome cases, as described further below, a voltage booster circuit can beutilized to assist in consistently providing electricity at a desiredlevel to the light source 50, for example, when the light source is alaser diode. Generally, the light source 50 emits illumination L. Thelight source is placed in proximity to any one of a variety of sightelements 40. As explained in connection with the current embodiments,these sight elements can be fiber optic elements, red dot elements,reticles, holographic reticles/images or other indicia or sight itemsthat a user U can align with a target T.

As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, at least in the context of an archerybow, the sight element 40 can be in the form of a fiber optic element. Afiber optic element can be constructed from a polymer and speciallyfabricated to reflect light conveyed through the sight element 40 from afirst end 40E1 to a second end 40E2. The first end 40E1 can be disposedadjacent the light element 50 so that light L emitted by the lightsource 50 is projected at least partially if not substantially upon theend 40E1. The light then travels through the fiber optic element 40 tothe end 40E2. As illustrated in FIG. 3, this end 40E2 appearsilluminated. Thus, a user U can readily discern the illuminated end 40E2within the user's field of view FOV. This can be helpful, particularlywhen ambient light conditions are of low light, for example, at dusk anddawn. With the illuminated end 40E2, the user's ability to appropriatelyalign the sight element with game or a target can be enhanced.

Generally, this sight element, in the form of the fiber optic element,and more particularly, its end 40E2, is disposed within the field ofview FOV of the user U to serve as a sight element and align theprojective shooting device with the target T. The end 40E2 can generallyface the user during use of the aiming device, particularly whenilluminated by a light source 50.

The sight element 40 in FIG. 3, in the form of a fiber optic element,can be disposed in or otherwise held or constrained by a sight pin,optionally constructed from metal composites or polymers, to protect thefiber optic element from the environment and to keep it satisfactorilyaligned with a user's field of view. The sight pin can be mounted to ahousing 42 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The housing itself can be part ofan archery sight configured to be attached to the archery bow 1 withfasteners, brackets and/or other constructions.

Depending on the application, a single sight element 40 can beilluminated by the light source 50 as shown in FIG. 3. If desired,however, multiple sight elements, optionally in the form of fiber opticelements, can be illuminated by the light source. This is illustrated inFIG. 4. There, the light source 50 is in the form of an LED. The LED isconnected via an electrical coupling element 22 to circuitry and/or athermoelectric module which provides electricity thereby causing thelight source 50 to emit illumination. The light source 50 can be joinedwith a housing 52, which as illustrated, is in the form of a tube. Thistube can optionally be constructed from a polymer, such as a heatshrinkable polymer or other polymer. The end 52E of the tube 52 can bedisposed over at least a portion of the LED 50. Where the tube is heatshrinkable, this end 52E can be heated to secure the housing 52 to thelight source 50. Within the housing or tube 52, multiple fiber opticelements 40A, 40B and 40C can be disposed. The first ends of these fiberoptic elements, for example, 40A1 can be disposed immediately adjacentthe outer rounded and/or spherical surface optional of the light source50, particularly where the light source 50 is an LED. The fiber opticelement 40A can extend through the housing or tube 52, and can beassociated with a sight pin or other sight support so that the secondend 40AE2 is readily visible to a user and within the user's field ofview.

Optionally, the ends of the fiber optic elements 40A, 40B, 40C can bespecially bonded to the outer surface of the light source 50, forexample, with an optically transmissive adhesive or other material.Further optionally, the ends of the fiber optic elements 40A-40C can bedisposed adjacent the light source 50 and flared at the ends adjacentthe light source 50. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the end40AE1 includes a flare 40AF. This flare can be joined with a main bodypotion 40AM of the fiber optic element 40A. The main body element 40AMcan have a substantially uniform diameter and circumference. The mainbody 40AM can transition to the flare 40AF. At the flare, the diameterand the circumference around the exterior surface of the flare 40AFincreases as it becomes more distal from the main body 40AM. Put anotherway, at the end 40AE1 of the fiber optic element 40A, the main body 40AMtapers from a smaller diameter or dimension to a larger diameter ordimension in the flare region 40AF, toward the large end of the elementat the right of FIG. 5. The amount of flare and/or tapering can beselected depending on the light transmissive properties of the fiberoptic element and/or the method of attachment to, or placement near, thelight source 50. Generally, the flare can be configured to enhance lightcapture by the end of the fiber optic element so that more light istransferred to an opposite end of the element. The flare can alsoprovide a physical structure so that the end near the flare can bephysically constrained or captured by another element, such as anaperture, to precisely place the end.

The system and light source 50 herein can serve as a backup toilluminate a sight element when ambient light is insufficient, or when alight source is powered by a secondary power source, such as a battery,which can no longer power the light source due to failure of a battery.For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the fiber optic element 40, in the formof a sight element, can be illuminated by ambient light AL. This, inturn, illuminates the end 40E2 of the sight element 40 to enable a userto view it better within the user's U field of view FOV. When theambient light decreases, for example, at dusk and dawn, it may be unableto sufficiently illuminate the end 40E2. In this case, thethermoelectric module light source and any associated circuitry can bepowered on or actuated to supplement or replace the ambient light withthe light L produced by the light source 50. Optionally, thermoelectricmodule can include an on/off switch described below to selectively turnon or off the light source 50 depending on the user's preferences, or atimer to automatically turn on/off the light source during expectedtimes of low ambient light.

Further optionally, the light source 50 can be joined with a circuit 60within which another power source is disposed. This power source can bein the form of a replaceable and/or rechargeable battery. When thereplaceable/rechargeable battery fails, the circuitry can sense thefailure and utilize electricity from the thermoelectric module 20 toalternatively power the light source 50. Thus, the thermoelectric modulecan operate as a backup source of electricity for the light source. Putanother way, the thermoelectric module can serve as a redundantelectricity generator to illuminate a sight element when there isinsufficient power or electricity provided the light source.

As mentioned above, the light source 50 can output illumination L toilluminate the end 40E2 of the element 40. Optionally, the performancecharacteristics of the light source can be selectively regulated by auser using a selector that is manually operable by the user. Forexample, light intensity and/or other light characteristics generated bythe light source 50 can be modulated in a variety of manners, forexample, via a rheostat that regulates current by varying resistance, apotentiometer voltage divider and/or on/off switch, all of which aredescribed further below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the amount of light L reaching thesight element 40 also can be physically modulated using another type ofselector. As illustrated, the aiming device 10 can include a shutter 52.The shutter 52 can be selectively moveable from the configuration insolid lines to the configuration shown in broken lines by a user. Theshutter, when in the position shown in full lines, generally does notimpair the amount of light L that reaches the end 40E1 of the sightelement 40. Thus, a significant amount of the light L reaches the end40E1 to illuminate the sight element 40. The shutter 52 can be coupledto a screw element 52S disposed in a housing (not shown). The screwelement 52S can be joined with a knob 52K. The knob 52K can be manuallyadjustable by a user to effectively move the shutter 52 from theposition shown in full lines to the position shown in broken lines. Thiscan be affected by rotating the knob 52K in the direction of the arrow.This translates to linear movement of the shutter 52 downward, so thatit is disposed between the light source 50 and the end 40E1. Thus, theamount of light L reaching the end 40E2 is diminished. In this manner, auser can selectively adjust the illumination output at the end 40E2which again can be used to directly align the sight element with atarget. In this construction, the light from the light source 50 can bemodulated by simply shading the sight element in varying degreesrelative to light emitted from the light source 50.

The aiming device can include a circuit 60. This circuit can take on avariety of forms depending on the particular application and desiredfunctionality of the aiming device. One example of a simple circuit thatcan be used with the aiming device is illustrated in FIG. 8. There, thecircuit 60 includes the thermoelectric module 20, which for example, canbe a Peltier module that generates current. The current flows indirection of the arrow CF to a capacitor 62. The electricity generatedby the thermoelectric module 20 is stored in the capacitor 62. Thecircuit 60 also can include a switch 63. Closing the switch 63 allowsthe current to flow, in the direction of the arrow CF. The circuit alsocan include a resistor 64 and a light source 50. When the switch isclosed, electricity flows through the resistor 64 to the light source50, which optionally can be an LED. This causes the LED 50 toilluminate.

Although shown as including a capacitor 62, the circuit 60 can include arechargeable battery, such as nickel cadmium or lithium rechargeablebattery. Whatever the case, the capacitor or rechargeable battery canserve as a power source to store the electricity and provide currentflow or electricity to the light source 50, even when thermal energy TEis not being transmitted directed to the thermoelectric module 20. Wherea battery, rechargeable battery and/or capacitor is provided in thecircuit 60 to provide electricity or voltage to the light source 50, thethermoelectric module 20 is considered to indirectly power the lightsource because, technically, the electricity is flowing from the batteryor capacitor. Where no battery or capacitor is included, thethermoelectric module is considered to directly power the light source,with the electricity flowing from that module to the light source.

Another example of a circuit is illustrated in FIG. 9. There, thecircuit 60′ can be coupled to the thermoelectric module 20′. Currentflows in the direction CF to a voltage booster circuit 60VBC. There, thevoltage can be increased in a variety of manners to provide more voltageultimately to the light source. Optionally, this can be useful where thelight source is a laser diode or LCD. The booster circuit can include aDC/DC converter. It also can be unipolar, with voltages at fixedpolarity only, or bipolar with voltage at either polarity. The circuit60′ also can include a light intensity modulation circuit 60MC. Thislight intensity modulation circuit can include a variety of differentelectrical components to modulate the current flow to the light source50′ and ultimately to the light L that is transmitted to the sightelements 40′. For example, the light intensity modulation circuit caninclude a rheostat that regulates the current flow by varyingresistance. As another option, the light intensity modulation circuitcan include a potentiometer voltage divider. As yet another example,this circuit 60MC can include a simple on/off switch. Other electricalcomponents for modulating light intensity can be included in themodulation circuit 60MC.

Yet another example of the circuit is shown in FIG. 10. There, thecircuit 60″ includes a thermoelectric module 20″. The circuit alsoincludes a transformer 63″ which can include a transformer itself and asecond primary side of a transformer. The circuit also can include a Pchannel enhanced MOSFET 64″ and an N channel enhanced MOSFET 65″.Downstream, a depletion N channel JFET 66″ is included in the circuit. Agate resistor 67″ is in electrical communication with the depletion Nchannel JFET. Diodes 68A″ and 68B″ are also disposed in the circuit.Capacitors 62A″ and 62B″ are included to store the power generated bythe thermoelectric module 20″. A ground can be included in thissub-circuit. The circuit 60″ also can include a potentiometer 69″ whichcan be used to modulate the intensity of light emitted from the lightsource 50. As illustrated, the light source 50 included in the circuit50″ can emit light L to the sight element 40″. As explained above, thevarious components of the circuits described herein can be modified toprovide different functionality and/or to accommodate different lightsources or power sources as well as different thermoelectric modules.

As mentioned above, the circuit 60, or any other circuit describedherein, can include an on/off switch 63. The switch 63 can be in theform of various switches, for example, toggle switches, push buttonswitches, pressure switches and the like. As shown in FIG. 8A, theswitch 63 can be in the form of a pressure switch P that is mounted to asupport structure 2 of the archery bow or projectile shooting device.The pressure switch can be a conventional pressure switch actuated by auser depressing the pressure switch P to close and/or open the switch 63within the circuit 60. This type of on/off switch 63 can be utilized inconjunction with capacitors and/or a battery. As an example, thethermoelectric module 20 can be used to generate electricity and/orvoltage. That voltage and/or electricity can be stored in the capacitor62 or a battery, as shown in FIG. 8. The user can effectively “charge”the capacitor while waiting for a target. For example, while sitting onstand, a bow hunter can grip the hand grip, transfer the user's thermalenergy to the thermoelectric module, which is then stored in thecapacitor 62. When game or a target comes within the field of view ofthe user at a later time, the electricity stored in the capacitor and/orbattery can be utilized by switching the switch 63 to the on position,such as by depressing the pressure switch P as shown in FIG. 8A. This inturn causes the light source 50 to illuminate at that time, therebyilluminating or generating light for use by the sight element.Optionally, an additional switching circuit that can stop the flow ofelectricity or voltage through the circuit thereby turn the light source50 off until needed, can be provided if the capacitor 62 cannot storesufficient power.

Operation of the aiming device 10 in conjunction with the projectileshooting device in the form of the archery bow 1 shown in FIGS. 1-5 willnow be described in further detail. In general, the thermoelectricmodule 20 is mounted in a location relative to the support structure 2of the archery bow 1 sufficient to transfer thermal energy from a user'sbody U. As an example, the thermoelectric module 20 is placed in thegrip area, in particular a hand grip 31 of the archery bow. When a userengages the grip area, thermal energy is transferred from the user'sappendage to the thermoelectric module 20. A thermal gradient also iscreated between the user's appendage and/or generally the user's bodyheat and the colder support structure 20, for example, a riser. Thisthermal gradient generates electricity, current and/or voltage withinthe thermoelectric module.

The electricity, current and/or voltage, hereinafter referred to aselectricity, is transferred via an electrical coupling element 22 to thecircuit 60 shown in FIG. 8. There, the electricity flows in thedirection of arrow CF to a capacitor 62, or optionally a battery,rechargeable or otherwise. The capacitor can store electricity until theswitch 63 is altered from the off position to the on position. Thisaltering can be performed via a user depressing pressure switch P asshown in FIG. 8A to close the switch 63, thereby allowing the current toflow to the remainder of the circuit 60, ultimately to the light source50.

Upon the light source illuminating, it transfers light L as shown inFIG. 1 to an end 40E1 of the sight element 40, thereby transferringlight to the end 40E2. In the embodiments shown, the illuminating end40E2 of the sight element 40 is disposed directly in the field of viewFOV. A user can align the sight element 40 with a target T as shown inFIG. 1. Upon satisfactory alignment, the user U can release thebowstring 4 of the archery bow 1 thereby propelling the arrow A towardthe target. Optionally, the user can selectively choose to illuminate ornot illuminate the sight element, depending on the ambient lightingconditions or other factors. Again, this can be accomplished viaactuation of the switch in the circuit 60 shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A.

Optionally, when the thermoelectric module generates the electricity,the electricity is communicated to the capacitor 62. The capacitor ischarged with electricity generated by the thermoelectric module. Theelectricity can be stored in the capacitor 62 until the user actuatesthe pressure switch P, turning the switch 63 in the circuit to the onposition to transmit electricity to the light source 50.

Where other circuits are utilized, such as those shown in FIG. 9 or 10,the electricity and voltage provided to the light source can bemodulated and/or boosted with the respective voltage boosters and/orlight intensity modulators described above.

A method of shooting the archery bow 1 or generally the projectileshooting device, such as a firearm, in general is also provided. In themethod, the user takes up the archery bow and transfers thermal energyfrom the user's body U to the thermoelectric module 20. Electricity isgenerated with the thermoelectric module 20 due to thermal gradientproduced via the thermal energy in the user's body. More particularly,the thermal gradient is produced between the user's body and the supportstructure 2 of the archery bow 1. The support structure 2 acts as a heatsink for the thermal energy generated by the user's body which againoperates as a heat source. In turn, this causes the thermoelectricmodule 20 to generate electricity.

The electricity is communicated through any of the circuits describedherein ultimately to power the light source. With the light sourceilluminated, it in turn illuminates and/or generates light for use by aportion of the sight element so that the sight element is readilyviewable in a user's field of view FOV. As noted herein, a sight elementcan be in the form of a fiber optic element, a reticle, a red dotelement, a holographic image and/or holographic reticle, and/or otherelements that assist a user in firing and aiming the projectile shootingdevice, for example, an archery bow 1. The user aligns the sight elementwith a target T and subsequently shoots an arrow A at the target.Assuming the sight element 40 is accurately aligned with the target T;the arrow will hit or impact the target T. Of course, where theprojectile shooting device is a firearm, instead of shooting an arrow,the device can fire a bullet at the target.

In cases where a capacitor or battery is included in the circuit, theelectricity generated by the thermoelectric module can be transferredand stored in that power source. The electricity stored in the powersource can be transferred to the light source from the power sourceduring a powering step. Alternatively, with the capacitor, battery orother power sources absent from the circuit, the thermoelectric modulecan directly power the light source.

In some cases, as mentioned above, the thermoelectric module and lightsource can serve as a backup or supplement to illuminate the sightelement. For example, ambient light can be used primarily to illuminatethe sight element, for example, a fiber optic element. When ambientlight is sufficient to illuminate the sight element, that ambient lightcan be used solely by itself. Where ambient light is insufficient foradequate illumination, for example, at dusk or dawn, the thermoelectricmodule and light source can operate to provide the desired illuminationto the sight element. Of course, if ambient light becomes sufficient toilluminate the sight element during a particular activity, the user candiscontinue illuminating the sight element with the light source andthermoelectric module and return to illuminate the sight element withambient light or some other source.

As mentioned above, the user's body generates thermal energy that istransferred to the thermoelectric module so that the thermoelectricmodule can generate electricity to power the aiming device. As shown inFIG. 6, an appendage of the user, specifically the user's hand UH isillustrated. There, multiple heat generating regions HR are identified.These regions are generally the warmest or hottest parts of the hand.Accordingly, a particular grip area of a projectile shooting device canbe configured so that the thermoelectric module is placed in closeproximity to the heat regions HR. Examples of such placement are furtherillustrated with the description of the firearms in the embodimentsbelow, where the projectile shooting devices are in the form offirearms. It also has been discovered that the thermal energy generatedfrom a user's face UF as shown in FIG. 7 can be significant enough tocreate a sufficient thermal gradient and operate the thermoelectricmodule. As shown there, the user's face includes heat regions HR whichare generally aligned with the cheeks of the user's face. Thus, aprojectile shooting device, when in the form of a firearm, can include astock or other cheek piece in which the thermoelectric module isdisposed. This can place a thermoelectric module in close proximity tothose heat regions HR when a user is shooting and/or aiming the firearm.

Although described in connection with an archery bow being a projectileshooting device, the aiming device of the current embodiments can bemade and used in a similar manner in connection with firearms.

A first alternative embodiment of an aiming device associated withprojectile shooting device, namely a crossbow, is illustrated in FIG. 11and generally designated 110. This embodiment is similar in structure,function and operation to the other embodiments described herein with afew exceptions. For example, the aiming device 110 is in the form of arifle or crossbow scope mounted on crossbow 101. The scope can includean internal sight element 140 which can be in the form of a reticle. Thescope can also house a light source 150 and a respective circuit 160,similar to the light source and circuits described above, except housedor otherwise associated with the scope directly. As shown in FIG. 11,there can be one or more thermoelectric modules 120, 121 and 122arranged in different locations on the support structure, for example,the stock 102 of the crossbow. The stock 102 generally includes a buttstock 102A, a hand grip area 1028 and a fore end 102C. A first module120 can be located in the butt stock 102, generally where the cheek of auser might engage the stock. In turn, this module can absorb thermalenergy from a heat region HR of the user's face UF as shown in FIG. 7.

Another additional thermoelectric module 121 can be disposed in the handgrip 102B. This thermoelectric module 121 can absorb thermal energy fromone of the user's hands. Yet another thermoelectric module 122 can bedisposed in the fore end 102C of the stock 102. This thermoelectricmodule 122 can absorb heat from another hand of the user when supportingthe crossbow in the shooting position 101. As illustrated, thethermoelectric modules 120, 121 and 122 can be daisy chained together inseries. These thermoelectric modules thereby each create electricitythat is transferred to the circuit 160 and utilized to power the lightsource, thereby illuminating the reticle 140 for the user as describedin further detail below. With the modules daisy chained together inseries, the voltage is increased. Optionally, the circuit 160 includes asingle voltage booster circuit, if desired, to boost the voltage andadequately power the light source 150.

Although shown with multiple thermoelectric modules 120, 121 and 122,this aiming device 110 included on the crossbow 101 can be modified toinclude only one or two thermoelectric modules, or more than threemodules, depending on the desired function of the light source andillumination of the sight element 140.

A second alternative embodiment of the aiming device associated with aprojectile shooting device, namely a firearm, is illustrated in FIG. 12and generally designated 210. This embodiment is similar in structure,function and operation to the other embodiments described herein with afew exceptions. For example, projectile shooting device 201 is in theform of a firearm, in particular, a rifle. The rifle includes a frontaiming device 210A and a rear aiming device 210B. These front and rearaiming devices can be in the form of front and rear iron sights. Theiron sights optionally can include sight elements 140 in the form offiber optic elements that are visible to a user U, in the user's fieldof view FOV. The aiming devices 210A and 2108 can be similar instructure, function and operation to the aiming devices of theembodiments described above with a few exceptions. Each of the aimingdevices 210A and 2108 can include a light source, a circuit and a sightelement, for example, a fiber optic element. The front aiming device210A, and in particular its sight element, can be illuminated with alight source that is powered by electricity generated from athermoelectric module 220 mounted in the fore end of the stock 202C.This module 220 can be in electrical communication with the light sourcevia an electrical coupling element 222. Optionally, the supportstructure 202, shown as a stock, and in particular, the fore end 202Ccan include one or more recesses within which the electrical connectorelement 222 is disposed. Indeed, a portion of the barrel of the firearm202 can define a recess within which the electrical connector element222 is disposed. The rear aiming device 210B can be separately poweredfrom the front aiming device 210A, and can be distal from the frontaiming device 210A. The rear aiming device 210B, and in particular, thelight source 150 thereof can be in electrical communication with thethermoelectric modules 221 and 223 mounted in the pistol grip 202B andbutt stock 202A of the stock 202. This is accomplished via electricalconnector elements 222′, which can be in the form of wires similar tothe electrical connector element 222 in the front of the firearm. Thesethermoelectric modules can transmit electricity to the light source toilluminate the sight element 140, in a manner similar to thethermoelectric modules of the embodiments above. The thermoelectricmodules 221 and 223 of this embodiment, however, can be arranged inparallel. In turn, the amperage generated by the thermoelectric modulesis increased relative to a single module. When in this parallelconfiguration, each of the respective modules 221 and 222 can beassociated with a voltage booster circuit (not shown) in a circuit ofthe aiming device 2108.

Optionally, although shown as including separate aiming devices 210A and210B, with separate, isolated thermoelectric modules 220, 221 and 223,the firearm 201 can be outfitted to include a fiber optic elementextending from the rear aiming device 2108 to the front aiming device210A. This fiber optic element can extend along the barrel, optionallywithin a recess or otherwise under a cover, protected from theenvironment, up to the front sight of the firearm. The fiber opticelement can be disposed in the front sight so that it is visible to auser U and within their field of view FOV when aiming or shooting thefirearm. In this manner, the front fiber optic sight element can beilluminated by a light source 150 within or associated with the rearsight 2108. Accordingly, a front thermoelectric module 220 andassociated wiring 222 can be absent from the construction. Of course,this construction can be reversed, so the front aiming device includes alight source that also illuminates the rear fiber optic sight element.

As will be appreciated, when utilizing fiber optics to transmitillumination from a light source in one location on a projectileshooting device to another location, those fiber optics can be protectedin various ways. In some instances, they can be coated with a specialcoating to prevent them from cracking or breaking. The elements can beadhered to the exterior of the firearm. In other instances, componentsof the firearm, such as a stock, barrel, slide, receiver, rail or othercomponent, can include a groove, recess or channel—or even an internaltube or cavity. The fiber optic element can be disposed through thesame. These elements can be formed in the firearm when its componentsare initially constructed. For example, a slide or barrel can include arecess formed directly in the metal when the same is constructed. With apolymer stock, a recess or groove can be formed directly in the stockwhen it is molded from a polymer. Where a stock is constructed fromwood, the groove or recess can be artfully produced in the wood.

A third alternative embodiment of an aiming device is illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 19 and generally designated 310. This embodiment is similarin structure, function and operation to the other embodiments describedherein with a few exceptions. For example, the projectile shootingdevice in this construction also can be a firearm 301 in the form of arifle. The rifle includes a barrel and a stock 302 attached thereto. Theaiming device 310 is in the form of a scope including a sight element340 in the form of a reticle, mounted in the within a rifle scope tube307. The rifle scope tube can include conventional lenses, glass andother prism type magnifiers. It also can be constructed to be of avariable objective and can have one or more magnification settings ifdesired.

Generally, the aiming device 310 can be mounted to a support structuresuch as the barrel 303 or receiver. The aiming device can include alight source 350, which can be associated with a circuit 360. Thecircuit can be in electrical communication with a thermoelectric module320 disposed in the stock 302 and/or other locations described inconnection with the other embodiments herein. The thermoelectric modulecan be in electrical communication with the light source 350 via anelectrical connector element 322 like those described in otherembodiments herein. The module 320 can be placed in a locationsufficient to absorb thermal energy TE from a user's body when the rifleis brought to a shooting position or into a field of view FOV of a userU.

As shown in FIG. 14, the sight element 340 is in the form of a reticlehaving a vertical crosshair 340V and a horizontal crosshair 340H. Theintersection of these crosshairs provides a point of aim. This point ofaim can be aligned with a target so that the rifle 301 can be fired atthe target, and assuming the aiming device is properly sighted in, thebullet will hit the target.

The reticle, and in particular the crosshairs are illuminated by thelight source 350. The crosshairs 340V and 340H optionally can be coatedwith a special light absorbing or reflecting coating or material so thatwhen the light from the light source 350 illuminates them, thecrosshairs become illuminated or generally more visible, particularly inlow ambient light conditions.

Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the light source 350 can beassociated with a circuit 360 which can be in the form of any of thecircuits described in any of the embodiments herein. This circuit and/orthe light source 350 is in electrical communication with thethermoelectric module 320 which can absorb thermal energy TE from auser's body.

A fourth alternative embodiment of the aiming device associated with aprojectile shooting device, in the form of a semiautomatic pistol, isillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 and generally designated 410. Thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to the otherembodiments described herein with a few exceptions. For example, thedevice 401 is in the form of a pistol having a grip 402 and a slide 403.When the pistol is fired, the slide 403 slides rearward as shown inbroken lines. Thus, the aiming device 410 mounted to the slide 403 alsomoves. The aiming device 410 can be in the form of a red dot scope whichincludes a red dot sight element 440. As used herein, the term red dotscopes also encompass reflex sights, which generally have the samestructure and operate similar to red dot scopes. The sight element is areflection of a light on a transparent or clear lens 411 disposed in ahousing 412. In this embodiment, the sight element 440 can be consideredthe reflected light or dot that is displayed on the lens 411 orotherwise projected onto a viewing plane or surface. Generally, thissight element or red dot 440 is illuminated or created by the lightsource 450. More particularly, the light source projects illumination orlight toward a plate 451. The plate includes one or more apertures 452.Only the light that goes through the aperture passes by plate 451. Thislight can be in the form of a small red, green or other colored dotdepending on the color of the light source 450 projected on a viewingplane or surface. This dot is a reflected off of a mirror 453, andprojected on the lens 411 within the field of view FOV of the user U asshown in FIG. 16. In the same manner as described above, the lightsource 450 can be powered directly or indirectly by the thermoelectricmodule 420, and in particular, by the thermal energy TE produced by theuser U. Further optionally, the red dot can be substituted with anyreticle typically used with projectile shooting devices such asfirearms. In some cases, the substitute reticle can include multiplecrosshairs to compensate for bullet drop. In other cases, the reticlecan be a fast acquisition reticle; such as a circle or polygon, or aballistic compensation reticle, a mil-dot reticle, and/or a rangingreticle. Any variety of reticle patterns is contemplated for use herein.

Optionally, the lens and certain other components of the red dot scope,also referred to as a reflex scope, can be modified from the opticalsight disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,443,541, entitled Optical Sight,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Although shown as a single dot sight element 440, the sight element ofthe aiming device 410 can be modified to be of virtually any appearance.For example, multiple dots can be aligned in a vertical line above oneanother on the lens 411. Alternatively, other types of dot or reticleconfigurations can be implemented directly on the lens 411. This can beaccomplished by altering the shape and configuration of the aperture 452of the plate 451 so that certain illumination patterns are generated bythe light passing through specifically configured apertures.

Further optionally, the aiming device described herein can be used insystems that are not mounted to a projectile shooting device. Forexample certain types of red dot sight elements are used in conjunctionwith a finder's scope used in connection with photography (camera) orastronomy (telescope) conventional telescope. These types of red dotscopes are standalone units, and are not used as sighting devices forprojectile shooting devices. Indeed, most of these scopes are eithermounted directed to a camera, telescope and/or tripod. Again, thesescopes can include all the elements and can function the same as theaiming device, for example, which is similar to a red dot scope used ona firearm, however, these devices simply are not mounted on a firearm orother projectile shooting device. Likewise, the other types of aimingdevices described herein can also be utilized in conjunction withdevices other than projectile shooting devices, such as cameras,telescopes or other long range viewing instruments.

A fifth alternative embodiment of the aiming device associated with aprojectile shooting device, in the form of a semiautomatic pistol, isillustrated in FIGS. 17 and 17A and generally designated 510. Thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to the otherembodiments described herein with a few exceptions. For example, thisconstruction includes an aiming device 510 generally in the form of ared dot scope. The red dot scope, however, is operated via a fiber opticelement that is generally disposed within the housing 512 of the aimingdevice 510. The sight element 540 itself is in the form of a dot orpoint that is reflected or otherwise projected onto a lens similar tothat described above in connection with the lens 411 in the embodimentimmediately above. This dot, however, is projected via the first fiberoptic element 542 pointing at the lens. This fiber optic element 542 canbe aimed toward the lens of the aiming device so that a small dot iswithin the field of view FOV of the user when illuminated.

The fiber optic 542 can extend out of the housing 512 and can be locatedwithin a recess 503R of the slide 503. The slide 503, as mentionedabove, slides back and forth upon firing of a round. The sliding actionfeeds another round into a chamber, and thus the barrel of the firearm501. The direction of movement is generally indicated by the arrows Sdepicted in FIGS. 17 and 17A. To account for this sliding movement andstill transmit illumination with the fiber optic element 442, a chain offiber optic elements that transmit illumination from one fiber opticelement to another without direct contact is utilized.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 17A, the thermoelectric module 520,circuitry 560 and light source 550 can be disposed in the supportstructure 502, for example, the frame or hand grip of the firearm 501.The thermoelectric module operates off a thermal gradient generated bythe user grasping the firearm to illuminate the light source 550.However, in this embodiment, a second fiber optic element 543,physically separated from the first fiber element 542 that extends upinto the housing 512 of the aiming device 510, is mounted in proximityto the light source 550. In operation, light L from the light source 550is projected on an end of the second fiber optic 543. The light as shownin arrows is transmitted through the second fiber optic element 543 tothe end 543E of the second fiber optic element 543. When the end 542E ofthe first fiber optic element 542 is placed adjacent or generallyaligned with the end 543E of the second fiber optic element 543, lighttransmitted out of the end 543E is transmitted directly to the end 542Eof the fiber optic element 542. The light is conveyed through theelement 542 and projected as sight element 540 within the aiming device.

Generally the ends 542E and 543E are aligned when the slide isstationary, that is, when a round is not being fired from the firearm asillustrated in FIG. 17A. However, when the round is fired, the slide 503slides rearward in direction S. Upon sliding, the ends 542E and 543E areno longer aligned, thus even though the light source illuminates thesecondary fiber optic element 543, that light is not transmitted to thefiber optic element 542 until the slide returns to its normal,stationary position. Upon return to that position, as shown in FIG. 17A,light is immediately transmitted from the secondary fiber optic 543 tothe fiber optic 542 to provide a sight element 540 for the user U toview within their field of view FOV. During the sliding action, thesight element 540 may be temporarily interrupted or generally disappearfrom the user's field of view FOV because light is no longer beingtransmitted through the fiber optic element 542. Typically this is oflittle consequence because the firearm is slightly recoiling and theuser cannot fully view the aiming device 510 anyway.

Of course, if desired, the second fiber optic element 543 can beduplicated so that the sight element 540 is always visible, as long asthe light source 550 is on. For example, multiple additional secondfiber optic elements (not shown) can be placed behind the fiber opticelement 543 illustrated by the light source 550. During the rearwardsliding of the slide in direction S at any one time, at least one ofthese additional second fiber optic elements can be aligned with thefiber optic element 542.

Optionally, given the debris, powder residue and other environmentalfeatures that the firearm 501 may encounter, the fiber optic elements542 and 543 as illustrated can be disposed within recesses 503R and502R, respectively. These recesses can further be covered, sealed orotherwise protected to protect the fiber optic elements therein.Further, although shown in conjunction with a semiautomatic pistol, theconstruction and multicomponent fiber optics used in this embodiment arewell suited for semiautomatic rifles or other firearms including a slideor moving component upon which the aiming device is typically mounted.

A sixth alternative embodiment of an aiming device associated with aprojectile shooting device, in the form of a carbine, is illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19 and generally designated 610. This embodiment is similarin structure, function and operation to the other embodiments describedabove herein with a few exceptions. For example, this constructionincludes an aiming device generally in the form of a holographic weaponsight, also referred to as a holographic diffraction sight or a holosight. In this construction, the aiming device can include a lightsource 650 which can be associated with a circuit 660. This circuit canbe in electrical communication with a thermoelectric module 620 disposedin the grip area and/or other locations described in connection with theother embodiments herein. The thermoelectric module 620 can be inelectrical communication with light source 650 via an electricalconnector element 622 like those described in the other embodimentsherein. The module 620 can be placed in a location sufficient to absorbthermal energy TE from a user's body when the firearm is brought to ashooting positing or into a field of view of the user.

The light source 650 can be in the form of a laser diode, also commonlyreferred to as a laser. The sight element 640 in this case can be thereticle image hologram 640 recorded or disposed within the substrate 655that is ultimately illuminated by the light from the light source 650and subsequently creates the holographic image 641 which is superimposedon the field of view FOV. This reticle image hologram can besuperimposed or displayed in the form of a desired image reticle orother aiming indicia, in the user's field of view FOV by way of a lasertransmission hologram. Generally, the laser transmission hologram is areticle image hologram 640 that is recorded in a substrate 655 or someother three dimensional space. The recorded hologram 640, or sightelement, in the substrate 655 is illuminated via the light emitted bythe light source/laser 650. In particular, the light source/laser diode650 emits radiation onto a first reflector 652 which is transmitted toand reflected to a collimating reflector 653. The light thereafterreflects toward a holographic grating 654, and is then transmittedthrough the substrate 655, thereby illuminating the hologram/sightelement 640 and creating the holographic image 641.

The aiming device 610 as illustrated can include a circuit 660associated with the light source 650. Because the light source is alaser diode, it can require significant electricity to power it. Ifdesired, a voltage booster as discussed in the embodiments herein, canbe incorporated into the circuit. Additionally, a replaceable and/orrechargeable power source 665 such as a battery, can be included in theaiming device 610. This power source 665 and the other components of theaiming device can all be housed within a housing 670, which canwithstand shock and vibration.

Optionally, the lens and certain other components of the holographicaiming device can be modified from the optical sight disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,483,362 to Tai, which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

Further optionally, the light source 650 can be in communication with acircuit 660 which is further in communication with a grip area 680 inthe form of a projection extending directly from the aiming device 610.Optionally, with this construction, the coupler 622 and the grip area620 associated with the firearm 601 can be eliminated. In such a case, auser can grasp the projection 680. The projection 680 can include aninternal thermoelectric module 620′. The thermoelectric module cangenerate electricity transferring it to the circuit 660 and the laserdiode 650, thereby illuminating the laser diode.

Of course, the projection form of a grip area 680 shown in FIGS. 18 and19 can be used in conjunction with any of the other rifle scopes, reddot scopes, fiber optic systems of the other aiming devices described inthe embodiments herein. In these constructions, the thermal electricmodule is joined with or is associated directly with the aiming device(rather than being on the projectile shooting device, and can power thelight source. Sometimes, the additional thermoelectric modules ondifferent grip areas of the firearm, bow and or other projectile stringdevice can be eliminated.

As shown in FIG. 19, the projection 680 can extend outwardly from atleast a portion of the rear of the aiming device 610. This perspectivealso illustrates the projected hologram 641 within the field of view ofthe user. In addition, this view illustrates an optional feature for usein connection with the holographic weapon sight, which also can be usedin conjunction with the red dot devices and any other electronic deviceused in conjunction with the thermoelectric module and concepts relatedthereto. Specifically, the viewing area 694 of the aiming device 610 caninclude a gauge 690 or other representation that is displayed within theuser's field of view. This gauge can provide a visual indication of therelative power of a battery 665 and/or of electricity or currentgenerated by the thermoelectric module 620′ and generally being conveyedto or from the laser diode 650. This gauge 690 can be displayed by asmall projector 692 onto the viewing area 694. Of course, in otherimplementations, a lower portion of the viewing area 694 can be in theform of a liquid crystal display or other visual output device that candisplay indicia representative of the amount of power stored by anoptional battery in the aiming device, or the function of thethermoelectric module, or the input or output of electricity to thelight source 650. Again, this type of power gauge and display of thesame can be incorporated into any of the aiming device embodimentsherein.

Further optionally, the aiming device 610 can be equipped withmechanical or electronic windage and/or elevation adjusters, so that theimage hologram can be calibrated to provide accurate shootingadaptabilities. The other aiming devices of the other embodiments hereincan optionally be equipped with such windage and elevation adjusters aswell.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are usedto assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of theembodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional termsshould not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specificorientation(s).

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention.Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from thespirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles ofpatent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure ispresented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as anexhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limitthe scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated ordescribed in connection with these embodiments. For example, and withoutlimitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may bereplaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similarfunctionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes,for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those thatmight be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternativeelements that may be developed in the future, such as those that oneskilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative.Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features thatare described in concert and that might cooperatively provide acollection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to onlythose embodiments that include all of these features or that provide allof the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly setforth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in thesingular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” isnot to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Anyreference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant toinclude any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Yand Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z ; and Y, Z.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of illuminating a sight elementassociated with a projectile shooting device, the method comprising:illuminating a sight element via electricity produced as a result oftransfer of thermal energy from a user's body to a grip area of aprojectile shooting device; and providing a field of view through ahousing so that the user can view the illuminated sight element withinthe field of view through the housing while the projectile shootingdevice is in a shooting position, and while the user views a targetthrough the housing, the target being located within the field of view.2. The method of claim 1 comprising: providing at least one of acapacitor and a battery; and charging the at least one of a capacitorand a battery with the electricity produced.
 3. The method of claim 1comprising: illuminating the sight element via electricity only whenambient light is insufficient to illuminate the sight element.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 comprising: charging a power source with theelectricity while the grip area is engaged by the user's body; andstoring the electricity in the power source for a predetermined amountof time after the grip area is no longer engaged by the user's body. 5.The method of claim 1 comprising: utilizing a voltage booster to ensurethe electricity is consistently provided to a light source toconsistently illuminate the light source.
 6. The method of claim 1,comprising: aligning the sight element with the target in the field ofview while the light source remains out of the field of view.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, comprising: conducting the electricity to a lightsource with an electrical coupling element that traverses a portion of asupport structure of the projectile shooting device.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the electrical coupling element is a wire extendingthrough a groove defined by the support structure.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein a light source illuminates the sight element, whereinthe light source is outside the field of view so the user does not viewthe light source directly in the housing when the sight element isilluminated by the light source.
 10. The method of claim 1, comprising:illuminating a fiber optic element.
 11. The method of claim 1,comprising: illuminating a holographic weapon sight.
 12. The method ofclaim 6, comprising: illuminating a reticle.
 13. The method of claim 6,comprising: illuminating a fiber optic element.
 14. The method of claim6, comprising: illuminating a holographic weapon sight.
 15. The methodof claim 6, comprising: illuminating the sight element with a lightsource disposed in the housing, the housing being a tube, the lightsource directing light directly toward the sight element within thetube.